Licensure

Please read the following general guidelines for applying for Educator Licenses or Endorsements. For more specific information related to specific program requirements, please select the relevant link listed at the bottom of this page.

Applying for License/Endorsement

Once you are in your last month of completing coursework, have all required field requirements, and passed required state of Ohio licensure exams, you should apply for your license/endorsement. It is highly recommended that you apply for licensure as soon as you are eligible, even if you do not yet have a teaching position. Requirements change and you may have to complete additional coursework if you delay application.

Candidates who have completed ALL program requirements (including course work and field experiences) and Xavier has received official required Pearson Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) and/or Praxis II tests may submit a license application.

Test Score Reports

Request an official copy of your required test scores to be sent to the Ohio Department of Education and to Xavier University. Xavier University must receive your official test scores from Pearson/and or Praxis. Student copies are not accepted. Xavier must have your score report for your application to be processed. Note: Beginning September 1, 2013 all individuals seeking an Ohio License must successfully complete the Ohio Assessments of Educators (OAE) exam(s). For additional information regarding the exam(s) and to register, please visit the Ohio Assessments for Educators website at http://www.oh.nesinc.com

If you passed the appropriate Praxis II test prior to 9/1/13, you may use the test results to satisfy the licensure testing requirement

ODE Online Application Process-Creating a SAFE account

The Ohio Department of Education will only process online licensure applications. Before accessing the online license applications, you must first let ODE know who you are by creating a SAFE account. This is a secure ODE web portal account.

Opening a SAFE account requires an Ohio driver's license or a State of Ohio ID. Those who do not hold such Ohio identification may apply for a SAFE account, but it may take approximately 2 weeks to complete the identification process and successfully create an account.

Principal, Superintendent and Administrative Specialist License

Before an application is submitted, please contact the department at wintersn@xavier.edu to determine if Xavier has all required documentation.

Background Reports

All applicants must have a current background check. Refer to the instructions in the online application for background check requirements. This information must be submitted to ODE electronically. Your application will remain on hold for 180 days if no background reports are on file electronically with ODE. Current results (valid 365 days from check completed date) of your Ohio criminal background check by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) AND Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check must be on file at the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). If you prefer to have the fingerprinting completed at Xavier University, you may visit Xavier University’s Campus Police, Tuesdays from 9:00AM – 12:00PM, and Thursdays and Fridays from 1:00PM – 6:00PM. The cost is $60 (subject to change), billed to your Bursar’s account. You will need to supply your State ID and your Xavier University All Card.

Bursar Holds

Check on bursar holds. If you have a bursar hold, the Registrar’s Office will not release your official transcript needed to review and process licensure.